Aracely Araiza led UT Permian Basin with two hits in Friday's softball doubleheader at Oklahoma Christian. The 5-foot-5 junior from El Paso had one hit and one base-on-balls in the first game before going 1-for-3 with a run scored in the nightcap.

Araiza (1-for-2) and Valerie Gonzalez (1-for-3) each hit safely in the first game in Oklahoma City. Gonzalez singled to center field in the game's first at bat. Araiza, who walked in the third, reached on a single to center in the top of the fifth. Despite their efforts, it was not enough to hang with the Eagles. Oklahoma Christian struck for three runs in the first, third, and fourth frames to win 9-0 in five innings in Game 1.

Becky Berth pitched the full four innings, striking out two Oklahoma Christian batters.

Araiza carried her hot bat into Friday's second game. With the Falcons trailing 1-0 in the top of the fourth, the standout infielder reached on a single up the middle. She served as UTPB's first run of the day when she scored on a Melayna Lopez RBI single three batters later, tying the game at 1-1. Unfortunately, the Eagles took the lead in the bottom of the sixth and held on for a 2-1 victory to sweep the doubleheader.
           
Destini Trahan was masterful once again in the circle. The junior right-hander surrendered just two earned runs on five hits and three walks in the second game on Friday night. Trahan tallied three strikeouts in six innings of work.
           
The Falcons' tour of the Sooner State continues later this weekend. UT Permian Basin travels to Lawton, Okla., on Sunday afternoon for a doubleheader versus a sub-.500 Cameron squad. The first of two conference matchups on Sunday will begin at 1 p.m., and the second game will follow at 3 p.m. Download the UTPB Athletics App to follow the team all season long.